Final reflections

This class has been so informative for me. I feel I have learned so much, and, in the process, would be able to explain these technologies to others.

Many times during this class, I was forced to get outside my comfort zone and try something new, delve into some new technology – and I succeeded (for the most part, ha!). It was a pleasure to learn these new skills and know that I will be able to apply them to my personal and professional life.

I think one of the most useful skills I picked up was with Screen Castle. This will come in handy so much with the online classes I teach. It’s so much easier showing the students on the screen where to find the material than giving them written directions. I cannot wait to use this or Diigo, for that matter. The more I consider Diigo, the more I love it and see its great potential for educational purposes.

And, of course, there is Second Life. It was the assignment that was too fun to actually be work – it was play time! Second Life, especially after reading the chapters in the book, really opened my eyes as to what technology is progressing toward. We live in such a global community, and Second Life really puts that into perspective.

I can’t wait until the fall quarter starts and I can begin implementing some of these technologies in class. I think my students will actually enjoy class more with the hands-on projects. Not only that, but they’ll be expanding their knowledge while having fun at the same time. These IT classes I’ve taken this quarter often have not seemed like work – they’re too interesting to be work.

Mass media is moving more with technology, and it’s important for journalism/mass communication educators to keep up with the new technologies. I’ve already showed my colleagues many of the projects we’ve done in this IT class (and the others I’m taking), and they’re very excited to learn the skills as well.

I am grateful I chose to minor in IT. This was a wonderful decision, and I’m looking forward to taking many more IT courses within the next year. I have benefited so much from learning these new technologies, and I feel that I will be a better educator because of it. Not only that, but I know I’ll continue to use many of these technologies in my personal life, too.